If, like many of us at Donaldson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Solutions, you’ve taken this time of social distancing for self-improvement, then you’re probably also thinking, “Once I’m allowed back to some sense of normalcy, what can I do (that I couldn’t do at home) to continue what I started?”

I’m here to highlight just a few of the services we offer that I recommend when “coming out of quarantine” to help you on your journey to become the best, most confident version of you!

1) Wrinkle Relaxers & Botox

Neurotoxin injections (such as Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Jeuveau, etc.) are used to treat wrinkles caused by muscle activity—most commonly in the forehead and around the eyes. They can also be used for prevention if you are only just starting to see wrinkles surface! The injections are relatively painless, only take a few moments to complete, and only need to be repeated roughly every 3-4 months (so you may be starting to see those fine lines and wrinkles return while on quarantine). My single rule for neurotoxin injections is simple: no exercise for 24 hours afterwards.

We offer complimentary make-up touch-ups after any injectable procedure, so you can get back to your life without anyone being the wiser!

2) Facial Fillers

Filler is a substance made of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a naturally occurring substance in your skin. It is used to plump areas of the face and body that have experienced volume loss, or to shape areas of the face like the nose, chin, and jawline. Different fillers (Ultra and Ultra Plus, Voluma, Vollure, Volbella, Restylane, Radiesse, etc.) are designed with different measures of thickness and longevity; they can last anywhere from 1-2 years depending on the product used and the location injected. Some of my favorite locations for filler are the lips, cheeks, jawline, temples, and nasolabial folds. The treatment generally lasts 30 minutes (most of that time is spent discussing your needs and desires), and you can expect mild, but not unbearable, discomfort.

I suggest planning filler injections at least a week ahead of any major event, as swelling and bruising is a possibility with any filler injection. As mentioned above, we offer complimentary make-up touch ups after your injectable visit, so you can leave our office looking and feeling like you!

3) Spa Facials & Chemical Peels

Perhaps you’ve been experimenting with making your own facials at home to keep your skin healthy and glowing, but need a little something extra to brighten or moisturize as you’re getting back to work. In my opinion, nobody performs a more relaxing and effective facial than our Lead Medical Aesthetician, Tatjana!

4) CoolSculpting for Rapid Bodyfat Removal

Everyone has that “one area” that, no matter how hard you exercise and diet, never seems to go away; this is where CoolSculpting is of benefit! The advanced CoolSculpting technology freezes localized areas of fat, causing damage and, ultimately, death, of the fat cell itself. Over the ensuing 2 to 3 months, the body removes the damaged fat cells from the area, causing a reduction of up to 25% of the fat present in the treatment area.

Each CoolSculpting treatment, or “cycle”, lasts 1 hour. You can expect mild discomfort and tingling as the treatment begins and ends (as the skin cools and re-warms), and an area of numbness that returns to normal between 2 days and 3 weeks afterwards. As with any minimally invasive body contouring technology, multiple treatments in the same area are required to get a great result.

5) CoolTone for Body Contouring

CoolTone is the newest non-invasive body contouring tool at our practice, and one that I am personally pretty excited about! It uses electromagnetic stimulation to give your abdominal, gluteal, or thigh muscles (other treatment areas coming soon) a intense 30-minute workout, with the result being visible toning and strengthening. This is a perfect solution for anyone who wants firmer abs, tighter glutes, or more defined thighs!

CoolTone treatments begin with a series of four 30-minute “workouts” performed over a 2 week period, with subsequent maintenance treatments performed on a quarterly to monthly basis. I recommend that any necessary fat reduction be done prior to muscle toning, which is why I encourage pairing CoolSculpting with CoolTone for best results.

In my many years as a fitness competitor, I always had trouble with my abdominal region, and I can honestly say after my first series of four treatments I have never seen my midsection look better. I am a strong believer in CoolTone’s technology!

Some women wear the same makeup shades they used throughout their teens and 20s, while others are more adventurous and prefer to try out new looks. Among both groups, certain techniques can be combined with the right skin care system to help create a vibrant, youthful glow, while the wrong techniques can add years to a woman’s appearance. Here are the five most common makeup mistakes for women in their 40s and beyond.

1. Using Too Much Foundation

Wearing heavy, thick makeup can emphasize the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores rather than covering these perceived imperfections. To avoid this effect, women should choose a foundation one shade lighter than their skin tone. Add coverage only where needed for color correction and blend well. Those who use powder should apply it strategically rather than all over. Sheer formulas tend to work better for older women rather than long-wearing or matte varieties.

2. Wearing Black Eyeliner

A soft, brown eyeliner is the best choice for older women who want to emphasize their eyes. Avoid lining the lower lashes, since this will emphasize sagging skin in that area. A thin line close to the top lash line is usually the most flattering option. Go for a creamy pencil formula and smudge the line just slightly.

3. Choosing the Wrong Color Blush

While blush adds appealing brightness to the face, a powder formula applied to the apples of the cheeks can highlight sagging skin. Instead, choose a cream blush blended well in thin layers from your cheekbones toward your temples. This creates a healthy flush of color that mimics the look of naturally rosy cheeks. When it comes to color, those with fair skin should go for pinks and peaches, while coral and berry hues are most flattering for darker skin.

4. Applying Dark Shadow All Over Your Lids

A smoky eye can definitely be sexy for an evening look, but don’t apply the dark color all over the lid. Instead, dab the dark shade at the outer corners to widen eyes and avoid drawing attention to wrinkled lids and crow’s feet.

5. Over-doing Lip Liner

At best, lip liner provides subtle definition to the lips and keeps lipstick in place. Choosing the right shade is critical, though, since liner that’s too dark looks instantly dated. Opt for lip liner one shade darker than the lip color of choice.

Women who want to freshen their makeup routine or want advice on creating a gorgeous new look can visit Michelle at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. As our lead makeup artist, she’s committed to helping clients feel beautiful and confident. Aesthetic services at our Columbus office include complimentary color match consultations, makeup lessons, and expert application for special occasions.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can change a woman’s body, making it hard to return to her pre-baby self. A mommy makeover typically describes a combination of a tummy tuck with a breast lift and sometimes liposuction, designed to counteract pregnancy’s effects on the body. While many women consider rejuvenating their bodies with a mommy makeover after having children, the decision to have plastic surgery should depend on your unique goals and situation. These are five questions you should ask yourself before scheduling this procedure.

Am I at a Healthy, Stable Weight?

It’s important for you to be at a healthy weight before having this procedure, since gaining weight can ruin the effects of the surgery. Before moving forward, you should attain a comfortable weight through diet and exercise and maintain the weight loss for at least six months.

Am I Done Having Children?

Because the weight gain of pregnancy would disrupt the results of a mommy makeover, it’s important to have a conversation with your partner first to make sure you’re happy with the size of your family before having this surgery.

Am I Still Breastfeeding?

If you have recently had a baby and are still breastfeeding, then you should postpone the procedure until several months after the infant weans. This gives your body time to recover before the stress of surgery and prevents complications such as excess bleeding.

Am I Able to Take the Time I Need to Recover?

After having an abdominoplasty and breast lift, it’s important to rest for several weeks so the body can heal. This means no household chores, no work outside the home, and no lifting children. You should make sure to have a support system in place for recovery before having the procedure.

Why Do I Want to Have Plastic Surgery?

In addition to practical preparation, it’s critical to be emotionally prepared for this major physical change. You should opt for a mommy makeover because of a desire to look and feel your best for yourself, not because of pressure from a partner or judgment from external sources.

If you have examined these questions and feel ready for a mommy makeover, you can consult with Dr. Donaldson to create a personalized surgical plan. Our website features testimonials from real women in the Columbus area who have had positive experiences with Donaldson Plastic Surgery. Call our office today at (614) 442-7610.

Ohio in winter is hard on the skin, especially along the lakeshore with the constant wind and relentless lake-effect snowstorms. Indoor heat, particularly from radiators, exacerbates the drying effect winter weather has on the hands, feet, and face. Moisturizing consistently in winter is essential to mounting a cold-weather defense for skincare, but moisturizing correctly is key to making that defense work. Follow these dos and don’ts for winter skincare to keep skin glowing even when temperatures are frigid.

Do Drink Plenty of Water

The first rule of hydration works from the inside out and controls the skin’s principal source of water year-round. Since skin is 64 percent H20, it mostly hydrates from within. With adequate, regular water intake (at least two liters/day), the body can keep the dermis plump and stimulate its collagen production. Collagen is essential for regenerating skin and enhancing its elasticity.

Don’t Take Extra Hot Showers

Often the go-to for cold mornings, long, scalding hot showers will actually strip away the natural oils from the skin and could leave sensitive areas like the hands and face irritated and dry. Instead, opt for a warm shower and try not to spend too much time under the hot water.

Do Moisturize Strategically Overnight

The secret to winter skincare is to therapeutically moisturize overnight. The treatment consists of coating hands and feet in a deep moisturizer, like olive oil or Vaseline, then covering them with cotton socks and gloves for the night. The extremities enjoy a warm soak of healthy emollients and vitamins while the body rests. Overnight moisturizing also helps counter the effects of dry night air, radiators, and space heaters. A cold-mist humidifier may provide additional relief from nighttime dryness.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

To avoid making dry matters worse, aestheticians recommend daily facial cleansing using gentler, less abrasive skincare products. They also advise against exfoliating more than once or twice weekly and suggest choosing a scrub with small, soft beads. Never use facial cleansing cloths—not even to remove makeup. They often contain harsh, dehydrating chemicals, and they strip away vital natural moisture that protects the face from the elements.

Do Find the Right Moisturizer

For those who can’t tolerate heavy creams well, serums are an excellent winter skincare solution. They contain little or no lubricants or thickeners, so the skin quickly and deeply absorbs nourishment from them. Serums can also be used underneath other lotions as a first layer of defense or alone for a lighter yet deeply penetrating skin moisturizer.

According to a survey from the National Women’s Health Resource Center, 56 percent of women age 40 to 84 have experienced vaginal dryness after menopause. Women may also experience sexual changes as a result of childbirth or the natural effects of aging. Their lives can be impacted by decreased sexual sensation, lowered sexual function, and urinary incontinence.

While these changes can be frustrating, there are treatment options available. diVa laser vaginal rejuvenation effectively treats these symptoms by stimulating blood flow and collagen production. Here are the most common questions patients have about the diVa treatment.

What Causes Age-Related Vaginal Changes?

As women age, decreased estrogen production leads to thinning of the vaginal walls, decreased lubrication, and even tissue inflammation — all of which contribute to uncomfortable symptoms. While menopause is the most common reason for these changes, they can also occur with childbirth, breastfeeding, chemotherapy, and certain medical procedures such as a hysterectomy.

How Does Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Work?

The diVa procedure uses Hybrid Fractional Laser (HFL) technology, which allows the surgeon to individually target the treatment for each patient. When applied to the vaginal walls, the laser resurfaces the tissue and replaces it with healthy, new tissue. The lasers also stimulate the production of collagen, a vital substance for strong, healthy tissue.

How Long Does It Take?

This is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Each treatment takes just three to five minutes. During the procedure, most patients experience minimal discomfort and only a slight pressure in the treatment area. While some women experience noticeable relief from symptoms right away, others need one or more additional treatments a few weeks apart to receive the full benefit.

What Does the Recovery Look Like?

After the procedure, regular activities can be resumed immediately. It’s normal for patients to experience minor cramps or spotting. Women should avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours following the treatment. As an added precaution, it’s also recommended to avoid swimming pools or bathtubs during the first 48 hours.

In the Columbus area, women considering vaginal rejuvenation can trust our team at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. As a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Donaldson completes ongoing education to offer the most innovative and safe treatments available. Call us at 614-442-7610 to schedule a consultation at our comfortable, spa-like office and learn about reducing sexual symptoms of aging without invasive surgery or hormone treatments.

The age of fitness influencers is upon us. Not only are they selling us waist trainers and flat tummy teas, they are selling us the design of today’s “perfect” body standard: a teensy waist and a butt for which Sir Mix-a-Lot would come out of retirement.

While these curvy frames are popular now, they haven’t always been en vogue. The “ideal” female body has seen a lot of change throughout time; much like fashion trends, body ideals change to reflect pop culture, making many women feel like they have to fit a certain mold to feel beautiful.

Cassey Ho, the fitness guru behind Blogilates, recently took to Instagram to give us all a much needed wake-up call. Using her own image and some PhotoShop magic, she edited her own body to show the most desirable body shapes throughout the last few hundred years.

Inspired by Cassey, we decided to take a look at the “perfect” body type of some of society’s defining eras:

Of course, the 2010s have seen the rise in popularity of exaggerated curves and big butts. There are many reasons why this figure dominates the media, but it is largely due in part to celebrity influence. Also, as notions of beauty in mainstream media have become more culturally diverse, an ample backside has become a more desirable trait for many women around the world.

2000s: Large Breasts, Long Legs

Rewinding to the early 2000s, large breasts and long slim legs were idealized as the peak of femininity. Instead of the butt, breasts took center stage as the most desirable feature for women.

1990s: Extremely Skinny

In the 1990s, the skinny revolution was in full force. The idea that ‘skinny’ meant ‘healthy’ was a pervasive one in media messaging, and women were restricting their intake like never before to achieve the look. Supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell in magazines and fashion campaigns reinforced the message.

1950s: Hourglass

Moving back in time to the 1950s, the hourglass figure was the ideal body shape for women. Popularized by Hollywood starlets like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe, women considered to represent the apex of 1950s beauty, the hourglass shape included an ample bosom, miniscule waist, and full hips. Much like today, shapewear was all the rage to achieve this voluptuous figure.

1920s: Boyish

The 1920s were defined by slender and androgynous bodies, perfectly suited for flapper attire. Angular bodies with a svelte physique were considered attractive, resulting in many women feeling pressure to bind their breasts to minimize their figure.

1400 – 1700s: Full, Curvy

From the 15th century to the 18th century, full bodied figures were considered to be the most beautiful. Having ample proportions meant that one was well-fed, therefore indicating wealth and status and making one more desirable to potential suitors.

What This Means For Women Today

With all of these examples, it is easy to see there is a societal cause behind every ideal body type throughout time. As the world around us changes, so too does our perception of what it means to be beautiful. So what does this mean for women today?

Treating our bodies like fashion trends means that there will always be something new to change. At its core, our desire to fit in with trends is really a desire for happiness and acceptance – however, if we can learn to love our own brand of beauty, the happier we will be. Instead of letting society dictate our choices, focusing on individual needs and desires will allow us to truly shine.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Here at Donaldson Plastic Surgery, we understand that there is no one-size-fits all approach to feeling beautiful. Our team of specialists has lots of experience working one on one with patients to understand their unique goals, desires, and vision for themselves. After all, we believe beauty is rooted in confidence, and it starts with becoming the very best version of yourself.

Our message is a simple one: fashion may fade, but confidence is timeless.

Adrienne is featured on Good Day Marketplace discussing Coolsculpting to help get ready for bathing suit weather.

If you have a wedding on the horizon, chances are you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. What with choosing a venue, picking a perfect bouquet, and dealing with all of the hiccups along the way, it can be easy to put yourself last on the list.

Here at Donaldson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Solutions, we believe you should spend less time getting pretty and more time feeling pretty. That’s why we’ve decided to remove one of the biggest wedding stressors: timing your beauty and aesthetic treatments.

We’ve laid out an easy to follow guide for scheduling all of your prenuptial procedures. Before we get started, a quick note from Dr. Donaldson: Starting your aesthetic treatments 12 months out is by no means imperative for a beautiful wedding. Whether it is a year away or the week before ‘I do’, there are treatment options available to help you look and feel like the very best version of you.

One Year

Major Surgeries

If you are considering a procedure like rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, or liposuction before the big day, we recommend scheduling them a year out. This will give you a generous amount of time to heal from the surgery so that you won’t need to be focused on your recovery in the months leading up. If your procedure affects your figure, this also gives you time to consider how your wedding attire may fit differently before and after.

Eight Months

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a very common treatment leading up to the big day, and for good reason; who should worry about under arm stubble when tossing the bouquet, or the bikini line on their honeymoon? Laser treatments are typically done in a series with an average of six sessions to maximize results. With four to six weeks between each treatment, eight months should provide the right amount of time to smooth those areas.

Ultherapy

If your wedding is at least six months away, Ultherapy is an excellent alternative to give you the benefits of a face lift with no downtime. Using safe ultrasound technology and your skin’s own natural healing process, Ultherapy provides aging skin a boost to improve overall appearance and give you a youthful glow.

Six Months

CoolSculpting

If surgery is out of the question due to time, finances, or personal preference, another option to consider is CoolSculpting. It is a non-invasive treatment that has become increasingly popular for treating “problem areas” that don’t resolve with pre-wedding diet and exercise. CoolSculpting is often performed on the arms, back, inner and outer thighs, abdomen, love handles, and under the chin.

Some opt for more than one treatment to really target certain areas, which should be done with eight weeks in between. Optimal results usually take anywhere from four to six weeks, so you will want a small buffer of time between your last treatment and the ceremony.

Kybella

Bra fat and double chins are common concerns for many brides-to-be. By dissolving this fat, Kybella can give you the confidence to walk into your ceremony with your head held high. Kybella is injected into the desired area, with most patients receiving two or three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Because Kybella dissolves the fat gradually, you may want to schedule this in-office procedure beginning about five to six months before your big day.

diVa

The reasons for feminine rejuvenation before a wedding may seem self-apparent, but the diVa Laser Treatment is beneficial for more reasons than you might think. Known to help women’s issues like vaginal dryness, it can also be used to treat incontinence, pelvic prolapse, pain during intercourse, pH troubles and more. For best results, we recommend a series of three treatments spread four months apart, making six months the best time to begin diVa.

The results that diVa can provide are powerful – this private treatment can definitely spark the same confidence and glow as your other beauty and aesthetic procedures.

Three Months

Halo Laser Treatment

When it comes to our skin, wouldn’t we all love a fresh slate? Halo is the world’s first hybrid fractional laser designed to remove years of damage from the face. There are many benefits to laser skin resurfacing, including treating sun damage, pigment, fine lines, and improving the appearance of the skin’s pores and texture. Because everyone’s healing process is different, three months will allow your skin time to heal and reveal its natural glow.

BroadBand Light Treatment: BBL

Often done in tandem with Halo, BBL is your go-to laser treatment for correcting color and complexion. Many people with rosacea opt for this treatment before their wedding day because results are reliable and effective for even the most blushing of brides. A series of BBL treatments can be lined up with Halo treatments in order to minimize your recovery time and maximize your skin’s clarity.

Microblading

We’ve all looked back at past photos and thought, what on earth is up with my eyebrows? When you look back at your wedding photos, your brows should be the last thing on your mind. Microblading is a great way to achieve effortless, natural brows for your wedding. Three months gives you ample time for complimentary touch ups before the big day

With microblading, it’s really important to choose a qualified expert – Tatjana, our Lead Medical Aesthetician, will help you plan and shape your brows how you would like them to look well before your wedding. This will also give you the peace of mind that you don’t have to rely on a makeup artist to give you the full and beautiful brows you deserve.

Latisse

False eyelashes can be a pain, and, unless expertly applied, can look heavy and exaggerated. If you are looking for a fuller and natural lash, look no further – Latisse is your answer. Low-maintenance and done from home, Latisse is a prescription serum that will lengthen and thicken your own lashes for a beautiful effect. Adding Latisse to your regimen early will allow you to build up to the volume you desire.

One Month

Botox and Filler

The month before the wedding means looking at finishing touches. If you are looking for a little something extra to complete your beauty treatments, this is the perfect time to schedule your Botox and filler appointment. These treatments can be done at the same time and both offer a completely subtle enhancement of your natural features. While filler is immediate, Botox takes four days to take effect – one month before gives you a perfect amount of time for touch ups if needed.

Week Of

Derma Plus

The week of the wedding is your time to relax, so a spa treatment like Derma Plus with Tatjana is the perfect way to pamper your skin while also ensuring seamless makeup application for the day of the ceremony.

Derma Plus is a combination of dermaplaning and a very mild chemical peel. Dermaplaning creates a smooth surface and helps with makeup application by removing hair and dead skin cells, while the gentle peel leaves skin instantly smooth, radiant and glowing.

Your Wedding Day

Finally, your wedding day has arrived.

When it is all said and done, the pictures, your guests’ impressions and your significant other’s opinions are all significant, but the most important thing on your wedding day is how you feel.

This timeline is our way to help you get into the mindframe of “I am beautiful”. After all, the only thing everyone will see is the beautiful person you are.

At Donaldson Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Solutions, we know what a significant time your wedding can be. Some of us may find that marriage is an opportune time to also renew your vows to yourself. What time could be better to revitalize a passion for self-care as you embark on this new journey with your loved one?

To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance; let us raise a glass to you.

I was thinking about making a change. I’ve worked really hard on improving my body over the last few years, and I really liked what I was doing but I needed a little extra. So, I did some research. I really liked what I saw on the website for Dr. Donaldson’s office. I called in, made an appointment, met the staff, met Dr. Donaldson – he’s awesome. The staff was awesome. I really felt comfortable as I came in. And here I am, six weeks later after the surgery. I feel great. Everything looks awesome! I’m healing in front of schedule and I just really like the results. I’m looking good.

*Note: Patient results will vary. All video testimonials were voluntarily submitted by actual patients with permission to publish on our website. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes.

In 2011, I came to Dr. Donaldson and got a breast augmentation and a mini tummy tuck; and eight years later, I decided to come right back to Dr. Donaldson again because I trusted him and because he did such amazing work before, I trusted him to do it again. You’re probably wondering, “why’d you have to come back in eight years?”. Well, I mean, your body fluctuates within eight years – gaining weight, losing weight, gaining weight, losing weight– and I just wasn’t happy with what I had up here anymore. I thought “you know what? it’s time for a little pick-me-up”, so that’s exactly what Dr. Donaldson gave me again. I couldn’t be happier with the results that I have. I recommend everyone to come to Dr. Donaldson. I even live in Cleveland, just FYI. I used to live in Columbus, which is why I went to him, and I moved to Cleveland to be with my husband; and he drove me down to get my surgery done because that’s how much I trust and believe in Dr. Donaldson. So, come to him! I trust him and you should too!

*Note: Patient results will vary. All video testimonials were voluntarily submitted by actual patients with permission to publish on our website. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes.

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We invite you to use this contact form to request an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our medical professionals. Dr. Donaldson, Dr. Sieffert, and their staff will reach out to you personally within one business day.